Playa Costa Verde- Playa Pesquero Cuba

Author: Deon Webber
Date of Trip: November 2011

At the end of 2011 my wife and I decided that after calling at a number of Caribbean resorts for only a few hours on cruise ships that we would like to try a two week holiday.

So we booked a two week holiday with Thomas Cook to Veradero in Cuba at the Iberostar hotel which we have tried before and really liked.

Unfortunately some weeks after booking, we were informed that Thomads Cook had stopped its flights to Cuba in the month we were travelling and that they had to cancel our holiday.

I contacted them by phone and asked if there was any other resports in Cuba that they were flying to.

To cut a long story short, we ended up booking two weeks at the all inclusive resort of Playa Costa Verde in Playa Pesquero, accessed via Holguin airport. I have found Thomas Cook flights to be great or dreadful, as a long haul flight this was pretty comfortable and with complimentary food and drinks.

We arrived at the resort at night via a 40 minute coach ride to find a large spread out resort with blocks of apartment style rooms, about six to a block. We were taken to the room via extended golf cart type vehicle.

Rooms were spacious and clean and set in beautiful gardens. We did have a problem with a leaking air con unit after a couple of days but we were relocated without question.

Waking on the first morning we wandered to the restaurant and were greeted by the fantastically friendly Cuban staff who couldnt do enough for us.

We went on to discover a fantastic section of beach with its own all inclusive bar and snack bar. Several restaurants for a change from the buffet, Cuban, Japanese, Italian and a steak restaurant. Only the steak house had a modest surcharge.

There is a 24 hour snack bar, pool bar and a lovely small beer bar away from the main bars.

The beach was gorgeous helped greatly by some local cocktails and handy snacks

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Now I am one of those people who after three days in one place needs to hire a car and get out

Cuba is not the place for exploring the shops. There basically arent many as this is a very poor country

Some great local excursions though where you can see local life, ride a horse, speedboat visit a local farm.

The advice to take along some pens and colouring books for the local schools who are very happy to show you round was very well recieved.

Back at Costa Verde the bars, entertainment and service was second to none.

The staff though from very poor backgrounds in this communist state which still issues monthly food rations were delightful. Always a smile and nothing seemed too much trouble.

Entertainment every night was varied and in several locations, not only the external theatre, but in the hotel foyer, even a ballet in the pool!!

I have never drank such a wide range of cocktails prepared with a smile by the friendly staff and a great selection of all inclusive drinks with what seemed like no restrictions.

Plenty of action round the pool each day and games and entertainment for any age

Watch out for the numerous Canadians who swamp the place with their huge insulated cups that they have filled at the bar. Friendly enbough though.

We fell in love with Cuba and this is one of the best resorts I have found anywhere for the price. I am sad that we missed the opportunity to travel to Havana which is closest to Veradero, but we would go back to Costa Verde tomorrow!!